Business Details
38 Years
experience
Your Monterey Wedding Venue & Ceremony Experts
Founded in 1988 by Rev. Patt O'Brien, A By-The-Sea Wedding has established itself as a trusted provider of personalized wedding ceremonies and venues on California's Central Coast. Our team of three ordained non-denominational ministers delivers tailored services that honor diverse cultural and spiritual traditions while creating memorable experiences. With expertise in officiating ceremonies at oceanfront locations, private homes, and our iconic Monterey Stone Marriage Chapel, we combine decades of experience with deep local knowledge to help couples realize their vision. We streamline the wedding process by offering on-site California Confidential Marriage Licenses, photography, and vendor recommendations.Our commitment to stress-free planning extends to flexible scheduling, including short-notice bookings, and comprehensive support for intimate elopements through large celebrations. By maintaining authorization through the Monterey County Clerk, we ensure legal compliance while prioritizing client convenience. Our testimonials reflect consistent praise for our ability to create heartfelt, personalized ceremonies that exceed expectations across Monterey, Carmel, and Pacific Grove.
Services
Wedding Ceremonies
Officiants
Venue Rentals
Photography
Marriage Licenses
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- We offer 35+ years of experience creating personalized coastal wedding ceremonies
- Our three ordained ministers specialize in non-denominational, culturally sensitive ceremonies
- We issue California Confidential Marriage Licenses on-site, saving courthouse visits
- We provide access to exclusive oceanfront and redwood ceremony locations
- We offer military discounts and flexible scheduling including last-minute bookings
Associations and certifications
- Monterey County Clerk
What people say
Personal & intimate
Beautiful ceremony
Wonderful officiant
Stress-free experience
Unforgettable event
Services
Wedding Ceremonies
We create customized wedding ceremonies for intimate gatherings and large celebrations across coastal Central California. Our experienced officiants craft personalized vows and rituals that reflect each couple's unique relationship and cultural background. With options ranging from beachfront exchanges to chapel ceremonies, we ensure memorable moments with professional coordination.
Officiants
Our three ordained non-denominational ministers deliver heartfelt ceremonies tailored to individual beliefs and traditions. With combined experience spanning decades, they guide couples through creating meaningful rituals while ensuring legal compliance. Patt O'Brien, Sherilyn Russo, and Kate O'Brien each bring distinct strengths in personalization and ceremony flow.
Venue Rentals
Choose from our iconic Monterey Stone Marriage Chapel nestled in redwoods or oceanfront locations along Carmel Beach. We offer decorated chapel packages with music and seating arrangements, plus access to exclusive private properties and hotel venues across the Monterey Peninsula for both intimate and grand celebrations.
Photography
Our professional photography service captures at least 60 high-resolution digital images during your ceremony. The photographer delivers a flash drive with edited photos immediately after the event, focusing on key moments while maintaining unobtrusive presence. Additional location coverage requires upgraded vendor arrangements.
Marriage Licenses
We issue California Confidential Marriage Licenses on-site without courthouse visits, available seven days a week. This service includes filing assistance and legal guidance, with requirements for couples over 18 who cohabitate. The license purchase must be arranged prior to ceremony scheduling to ensure timely processing.
People
Patt O'Brien
Founder & Minister
Ordained minister with 35+ years of experience creating personalized ceremonies. Specializes in blending cultural traditions with modern elements while maintaining legal compliance for coastal weddings.
Sherilyn Russo
Reverend
Dedicated officiant known for compassionate approach and ability to create intimate atmospheres. Brings warmth and professionalism to ceremonies, with expertise in adapting to unexpected weather conditions while maintaining event flow.
Kate O'Brien
Minister
Skilled in crafting heartfelt, personalized wedding experiences. Focuses on incorporating family elements into ceremonies while ensuring smooth execution. Brings contemporary perspective to traditional wedding formats.
Questions
What wedding locations do you offer?
We provide oceanfront ceremonies on Carmel Beach, redwood settings at our Monterey Stone Chapel, and access to private properties across Monterey, Pacific Grove, and Carmel Valley.
Can you issue marriage licenses?
Yes, we're authorized by Monterey County to issue California Confidential Marriage Licenses on-site without courthouse visits, with immediate filing assistance after your ceremony.
Do you accommodate last-minute weddings?
We often accommodate short-notice bookings, though earlier reservations provide more flexibility with time slots and location availability across our service areas.
Are military discounts available?
Yes, we offer special pricing for active military couples. Please inquire directly about current discount options and applicable service packages.
What payment methods do you accept?
Marriage license fees require advance payment by check or credit card. Ceremony packages include payment plans when booked through our office.
Do you provide officiant services only?
While we specialize in officiating, we also offer venue access, photography, and vendor coordination. You may use our ministers independently or with our full-service packages.
